Political Philosophy Podcast

Alec Crisman, a writer exploring the tension between political and comprehensive liberalism, engages in a lively debate about the future of liberalism in today's fraught political climate. The discussion tackles whether liberals should adopt a more aggressive stance against rising authoritarianism or retreat to neutrality. Crisman expresses concerns about the implications of comprehensive liberalism on autonomy and societal values. They also delve into the complexities of ideological recruitment and the need for effective counter-narratives amidst contemporary political challenges.

The series continues, exploring the world the Bible was born into. Another genre of writing these texts existed within was the Ancient Near Eastern law code. We look at the most famous, focusing on sex, marriage, adultery, homosexuality, and offending cows.

From Ancient Egypt, to Ethiopia, to the Islamic tradition, Africa had a rich - & truly ancient - tradition of philosophy prior to European Colonization. Peter Adamson and Chike Jeffers join the podcast to discuss. Africana Philosophy from Ancient Egypt to the Nineteenth Century: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/africana-philosophy-from-ancient-egypt-to-the-nineteenth-century-9780198927174?cc=gb&lang=en& Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/PoliticalPhilosophyPodcast

Natasha Piano, an assistant professor at UCLA specializing in democratic theory, discusses the complexities of democracy in light of her book, Democratic Elitism. She critiques the conventional link between elections and democracy, urging for a broader understanding of representation. The conversation dives into Machiavelli’s thoughts on elite dominance and popular resistance, and the influence of right populism on voter behavior. Piano highlights the role of masculinity in political ideologies and the cyclical nature of institutional change, advocating for innovative reforms and trust between elites and the public.

Delve into the ancient context of biblical stories, tracing their roots back to 1850 BC Babylon. Discover how narratives like Atrahasis influenced the Genesis flood tale and reflect societal norms of the time. Uncover the vital role of Babylonian scribes in shaping literature and record-keeping that echoes today. Explore the evolution of flood myths and the sophisticated forces behind their storytelling, revealing a complex interplay of culture, religion, and literature in shaping ancient belief systems.

A shot preview of a new series I'll be doing on the podcast

I take a range of questions on all things British politics.

The rift between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic primary has left a powerful legacy in American politics. The discussion reflects on the obstacles and successes of the American left, exploring the growing need for unity. Striking contrasts emerge between principled outsiders and pragmatic insiders in political identity. The influence of Sanders’ supporters reveals complexities in voting behavior, while the conversation advocates for acknowledging past political errors and fostering collaboration to combat rising extremism.

Crime and criminality are central concepts in American political discourse - fears of crime, crime as code for race, or illegal immigration are all common issues. Now we have a movement running the country that is obsessed with crime, but also led by criminals, how do we make sense of that? Why is that so appealing to so many, and how do we talk them out of it? I'm joined by one of the best writers on the criminal justice system - Josie Duffy Rice - to discuss.

Dave Karpf, a political scientist and insightful blogger on tech politics, dives into Silicon Valley's surprising rightward shift. He discusses how extreme wealth distorts reality for tech elites and critiques their absurd ambitions, like colonizing Mars. Karpf explores the intersection of self-awareness, social media, and branding among billionaires, and examines the implications of regulatory changes under the Biden administration on venture capital. He also highlights the rise of meme stocks and how ridicule plays a role in public accountability, particularly for figures like Elon Musk.